Common Core Homework Help…for Parents

Times have changed and so has education. Thanks to the Common Core, school standards have changed and so have teaching styles and approaches. Do you remember the “good ol’ days” when you could cross-multiply fractions to find your answer? Now students are expected to draw models to show their work. You cannot simply say that it will take 6 hours to reach New York by train, but say how much longer it will take to travel to Boston. Common Core has made many subjects – particularly math – more involved. Maybe even more challenging.

Many parents who are calling for tutoring support admit that they are struggling with their students’ homework. It is a parent’s natural instinct to try to help when their student is in trouble. But more and more parents are admitting that they do not understand how their student is being taught in school.

In the past month, I have received at least ten phone calls from parents whose students are struggling with basic math functions, like multiplication. When they try to teach their student how they were taught to multiply, their student responds by drawing a box and replies, “But this is how my teacher does it.” Parents are caught between a rock and a hard place – they want to help their student succeed, but by trying to help they are only adding to the confusion.

Still, not all schools have joined the math night bandwagon, and some parents feel that one math night is just not enough.

If you are interested in more math nights at your child’s school, let your voice be heard! Write a polite letter to your school’s teacher and principal, asking if they would host another math night. If the whole school cannot, perhaps your child’s teacher will have one just for the class. Avoid placing blame on the methods or the Common Core or pointing fingers. Instead, approach the situation as a concerned parent who wants what is best for their child.

Despite the efforts of schools, some parents are just not able to attend math nights between multiple jobs and other after-school commitments. These parents are left to “fend for themselves” when it comes to helping with their child’s homework.

If you are looking for a great online resource, check out Homework Unlocked. This free website was designed as a resource for parents so they could help their kids with their homework. “We believe that parents need to be a part of their child’s educational team,” says the website. “Homework Unlocked does not replace the teacher; it merely empowers the parent.”

Homework Unlocked has a wealth of information. Their website contains lessons for math concepts up through algebra. It also has a forum called “Homework Headaches” where you can submit specific questions that are stumping your family. There is even a “Pop Quiz” sections where families submit creative responses to math problems. The videos are simple, easy to understand, and also fun to watch.

Visit www.homeworkunlocked.com in your spare time and brush up on your math skills. You can even sit and watch it with your child. Who knows? Maybe your son will teach you how to do long division!

About the Author

Nikki

Nikki is the Director of Student Services for North Coast Education Services. She coordinates the tutoring for all private students, assists with in-school programs, and is responsible for the NCES blog. Nikki is also the Assistant Camp Director of the Academic Fun & Fitness Camp, a summer program for students with learning disabilities in Kirtland, OH.

Tutoring services for students and their families in Greater Cleveland and throughout Northern Ohio. We take the time to match students with tutors to ensure the right areas of learning are developed. Our curriculum includes programs which are multi-sensory, systematic approaches to reading and math, as well as tutoring for all subjects.